conscious musings for the childbearing year. . .from pregnancy through infancy and beyond

3.24.2009

why a doula?

lots of moms and dads to be want to know why they should have a doula present at their birth. the first and foremost answer is, presence.

having a doula, or a person available to your birthing experience will offer a presence of assurance and confidence. she can calmly offer and skill ways to cope during labor, while constantly supporting both the mother and the father. ultimately her goal is to mother the mother, so that the mother may have the strength and foundation to birth her baby.

doulas know labor well, and know how to assist you in making the most of your birth experience. a trained doula has tools to help you open your cervix, so that your baby may be pushed into the world. a doula also acts as a guardian of the birthing environment, with an intention to keep the space safe and welcoming for a woman in labor. doulas are great for providing touch, reassurance, helpful positions and guidance through the journey, especially for when a mama gets doubtful of how much longer she can proceed.

her role is to keep the mother and father informed, with unbiased information about what is happening, whether you are in the hospital or at home. she assists the mother through understanding what is happening at each stage. and for that glorious moment when baby has arrived, a doula is there to offer her presence so that the couple may bond in the way they have hoped.

in the doula book, the need for labor support is addressed with a quote from a harvard health letter, "continuous support from a doula during labor provides physical and emotional benefits for mothers and health bonuses for their babies. with less medical interventions, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays, there may be financial savings as well". ultimately, the doula is there for the birth memory of the mother and the baby. . .improving outcomes for both.

about me

Danielle Marie Goldstein is a mother, herbalist, yoga instructor, BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® childbirth mentor, a visionary artist and homesteader. She brings her experience as a birth and postpartum doula to her teachings. She offers herbal and nutritional consultations and placenta encapsulation for hormonal balance.